A CEREDIGION schoolgirl has scooped a top prize at the Young British Farming Awards 2025, bringing national recognition back to West Wales.
The annual event, held on Saturday (Sept 13) at Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire, celebrated the next generation of farmers across the UK. Hosted by farmer and online content creator Tom Pemberton, the awards recognised eight categories ranging from farm workers to community heroes.
Success for West Wales
Among the winners was 11-year-old Elliw Grug Davies from Ceredigion, who was named Young Handler of the Year (Senior). Elliw had previously won the junior title in 2024 and has continued to impress judges with her skills in the show ring. This year she added the Intermediate Beef Championship, Young Handler Champion and Overall Cattle Handling Champion titles at the Royal Devon County Show to her growing list of achievements.
Judges praised her “calm confidence and impressive showmanship beyond her years,” noting that she had already been asked by other cattle owners to show their stock thanks to her ability.
Speaking after receiving her award, Elliw said: “It’s a nice feeling to win this year again. It’s opened the door and it gives you more options when you’re older. Since winning last year, I’ve had the chance to appear on television and it’s been a great opportunity. I love to be around animals, showing them, preparing them before the shows, and I’m proud to be a farmer.”
National celebration of young farmers
The Young British Farming Awards, sponsored by Massey Feeds, Harpers Feeds and Lantra, aim to celebrate the achievements of young people in agriculture. Other categories included Young Farm Worker, Young Farming Hero, Young Farmers Club of the Year and the new Kaleb Cooper New Entrant Award, which recognises those entering farming without a family background in the industry.
Winners came from across the UK, from Hertfordshire to Sutherland, but Elliw’s achievement was a standout moment for farming in West Wales.
